On May 12, 2025, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched its expansion of Smart IDs for permanent residents and naturalized citizens from visa-exempt countries.
Due to the extremely high volumes of applications being received, DHA notes that the process is currently only applicable to applicants who are in possession of a green barcoded ID and are from visa exempt countries.
Once volumes reduce, applicants from non-visa-exempt countries will also be assisted. DHA will communicate when this next phase opens for applications.
Applications can be done at all Live Capture Offices, bank branches and via the eHome-Affairs Portal. Applicants can now also register and book appointments via the eHome-Affairs Portal and the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS).
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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